Sir Stu Peach to leave early?
Thread Starter
Sir Stu Peach to leave early?
So, CDS is throwing his hat in the ring to be the next Chair of NATO's Military Committee.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a...role-jvrcd8kkh
Is this a genuine ambition, the military equivalent of an out of favour Minister being kicked upstairs to the Lords or part of a broader UK attempt to reinforce its position as a good citizen in the BREXIT environment?
The Times might be suggesting he rarely chases a losing prospect and as a result he's favourite and has US backing, but the neither the UK nor the US are particularly popular at the moment with somewhat dented international influence and credibility. So what if he's unsuccessful; is he then fatally wounded? And who to replace him if he is?
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a...role-jvrcd8kkh
Is this a genuine ambition, the military equivalent of an out of favour Minister being kicked upstairs to the Lords or part of a broader UK attempt to reinforce its position as a good citizen in the BREXIT environment?
The Times might be suggesting he rarely chases a losing prospect and as a result he's favourite and has US backing, but the neither the UK nor the US are particularly popular at the moment with somewhat dented international influence and credibility. So what if he's unsuccessful; is he then fatally wounded? And who to replace him if he is?
I would expect that this nomination is entirely at CDS' own wish. I'd also expect that he has been encouraged to put his hat in the ring, having made something of an impression on his fellow Chiefs of Defence, and that there will have been a good deal of background work with other nations in support of the nomination. The reported US backing is potentially significant and suggests to me that a number of others feel it's time for one of the 'larger' NATO nations to fill the post again. (By custom, and as it fills the Major NATO Commander posts, the USA does not nominate for CMC, but the Deputy CMC is always American.)
So, I don't see it in any way as his possibly being 'kicked upstairs' by the UK MOD, and I would have thought that to be elected by one's peers to such a post would be a significant end to an already successful career. He remains CDS until moving to HQ NATO, if elected, or until his national retirement, so I would not see him as in any way 'fatally wounded' should he not be elected. His potential replacements as UK CDS are, as ever, the current Single Service chiefs and VCDS.
The matter of DSACEUR, until now a UK post, and mentioned in the Times article, should be another matter altogether - and I would earnestly hope that Brexit is not allowed to cloud the NATO picture. But time will tell on that.
So, I don't see it in any way as his possibly being 'kicked upstairs' by the UK MOD, and I would have thought that to be elected by one's peers to such a post would be a significant end to an already successful career. He remains CDS until moving to HQ NATO, if elected, or until his national retirement, so I would not see him as in any way 'fatally wounded' should he not be elected. His potential replacements as UK CDS are, as ever, the current Single Service chiefs and VCDS.
The matter of DSACEUR, until now a UK post, and mentioned in the Times article, should be another matter altogether - and I would earnestly hope that Brexit is not allowed to cloud the NATO picture. But time will tell on that.
Thread Starter
His potential replacements as UK CDS are, as ever, the current Single Service chiefs and VCDS.
If he moves end of this year I reckon Sir Nick Carter will become the next CDS, he's currently the most senior individual service chief and while I appreciate the simplicity of my argument, I think its the most likely outcome.
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On the basis Nick Carter is loathed by quite a lot of the Army, and hasn't made good on many of his promises, I doubt he'd be a shoo-in.
Yep, Nick Carter has no chance. It's probably true that Stu Peach was the Army pick, such was his standing.
Perhaps it is just me but does anyone else feel slightly unnerved that someone thinks Stu Peach is needed at NATO?
When you start putting such serious military players in such key positions, rather than a political chap to keep the seat warm, one wonders if they think that their skills may actually be called upon.
Perhaps it is just me but does anyone else feel slightly unnerved that someone thinks Stu Peach is needed at NATO?
When you start putting such serious military players in such key positions, rather than a political chap to keep the seat warm, one wonders if they think that their skills may actually be called upon.
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Well quite, but where's the money going? I'd put it on Messenger rather than any of the sS Chiefs. Interesting how the other 4-star, Com JFC, wasn't on The Times' list of candidates. Journalistic oversight or reflection on the standing of JFC? It's not as if it's a hidden post that nobody knows about, and Barrons missed out last time having been one of the favourites.
Thread Starter
Of the others, I've only met Carter when I was working in RC(S) HQ as a flt lt. Got thrown under the bus by CJ5 in a briefing to him on future plans - even though it should have been J5 briefing! My boss was horrified as he couldn't do anything to stop it combined with the fact a flt lt can't really fight back against a 2-star and was surprised a General wouldn't appreciate that. I laughed it off as I'd been given the nod I was to be promoted when I got home!
Last edited by Melchett01; 10th Jun 2017 at 17:57.
The posturing to see who would replace him does not appear to have a clear front-runner (if he goes?). Surely with all the current political faff, we as Defence, would be better served with everyone staying in post and weathering the storm.
Also, if, as we are led to believe, we are about to be restructured again (read cuts) then retaining those that have overseen the last SDSR will surely be best placed to deliver the next one! (LFE?) Finally, cognisant of any cuts and the political turmoil we are currently faced with, it will be a big ask for our Eur partners within NATO to accept a U.K. head - surely?
And don't call me Surely..........!
Also, if, as we are led to believe, we are about to be restructured again (read cuts) then retaining those that have overseen the last SDSR will surely be best placed to deliver the next one! (LFE?) Finally, cognisant of any cuts and the political turmoil we are currently faced with, it will be a big ask for our Eur partners within NATO to accept a U.K. head - surely?
And don't call me Surely..........!
